Vespertine

I was prescribed some drug that's similar to a beta-blocker for when I get really nervous, i.e. performing (I'm a music major). I was told by many people that beta-blockers don't work and I was wondering if anyone had experience with them. I don't think I'm taking a beta-blocker but its function is similar and I think it may have worked tonight. I was extremely worried about going back to school (I'm at home for spring break) but after I took a teeny tiny little shaving from a teeny tiny little pill, I suddenly felt so much better. I think it may've worked because I'd forgotten that I'd taken the medication. (I was playing GTA3) So! Speak!

missus_gumby

In my youth, I played the most complicated works with pro orchestras, on TV, radio, recordings and live on stage - all whilst 'under the influence' of beta blockers.

They take away the physical manifestation of nerves, but not the anxiety and mental turmoil of performing. Nevertheless, for me they were the best things since sliced bread.

It wouldn't surprise me in the least if a large percentage of performing musicians are taking beta blockers (or their equivalents).

Martin

(I used to be a french horn player BTW.)

Primordial Groove

That's Freedom horn to you, Missus.

j/k

Anyway, a buddy o mine takes beta blockers and he swears by them. He was prescribed them due to a bad heart, so it seems they are good for something.

Have you tried clanazopan (spelling is wrong). I think its for people that have panic attacks. Not sure if it's up your alley though.

missus_gumby

Doh! Sorry, I forgot. Heh heh.

Another point to make about beta blockers and musical (or other) performance is that if you are a rubbish musician who gets nervous:

1) You will not show the effects of nervousness if you take them
2) You will still be a rubbish musician - even if you take them

... in other words, they are not a performance enhancing drug.

Martin

MadKally

Clonazepam (Klonopin in US, Rivotril in other counties) is an anti-anxiety drug. It's not much different than Valium. I take a small dose of 0.5mg twice a day. It has a very long half life so I feel like I'm on an even keel most of the time. It does not make me feel high, it makes me feel more in control of anxiety and panic. I'd like to say normal, but I don't know what normal is... Warning: It is a benzodiazepine and is psychologically and physically addictive. I spend a lot of time worrying that I might run out of them someday. You must be weaned slowly off of them if you decide to stop taking them. Very slowly.

Nurse Kally

Primordial Groove

Thanks for clarifying that, MK.

scigirl

Hello Vespertine,

Can you be more specific - there's lots of beta blockers out there that all have different effects.

You could start with drugstore.com and see if you find anything.

Here's an abstract from pubmed describing the different classes and what they do. Beta- blocker's main use is for heart disease. Click here.

Here's an article that talks about some non-drug therapies for social anxiety - maybe those would be worth looking into (and probably cheaper!)

If you give me a drug name I might be able to find more specific studies for you - I searched for beta blockers and anxiety and got 682 hits!

scigirl

Jackalope

Then there are the flaming egoists...we usually become soloists.
Though to be honest, I don't think I've had real stage fright in years. I started performing in public when I was 13 years old and after the very first "Oh S***!" moment, only ever had a little bit of nervousness before performances. Speaking in pubilc, on the other hand, had me in a blind panic the first few tries. I seem to have finally gotten good at that as well.

Beta blockers tamp down on the adrenalin component of stress. So you don't get the shakes or warbling, cracking voice problems. Since I never got much of that, I never bothered with beta blockers. My real problem has been the tendency to start laughing in the middle of a piece. And the particularly contrary dancers I play for made a game of it my first season with them. They decided that if they made me start laughing too hard to play, then their improv bits were superior for that performance.

ps418

GTA3? I hereby subscribe a dose of Vice City. That should help!

Seriously, though. If I understand you, the BB pill worked. So what's the problem again? BBs do help reduce anxiety for many people, contrary to what your friends said.

Patrick

SULPHUR

I pressed the wrong button. See above